Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Greensboro, NC (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Greensboro

North Carolina
76

St. Paul is 15% more expensive than Greensboro.

$1,248/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 11%
$73,055/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$58,884/yr ↓ 19%
$280,300 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$221,300 ↓ 21%
$1,390/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,107/mo ↓ 20%
307,762
Population
298,564

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.875%
Sales Tax
4.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Greensboro, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $14,171/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $221,300 in Greensboro.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Greensboro slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Greensboro — common questions

Is St. Paul or Greensboro cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Greensboro?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Greensboro it's $1,114/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Greensboro?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $58,884 in Greensboro. Median household income is $14,171/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Greensboro?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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